Future of federal food assistance funding increasing anxiety for families trying to get ahead

BALTIMORE — Federal benefits like nutrition programs are at risk of running out after congress has repeatedly failed to reach a spending agreement.

Though they currently remain funded for now, and Maryland has promised there will be no lapse in the short-term, those who rely on SNAP and WIC benefits are feeling added pressure due to the shutdown, now in its seventh day and counting.

Some like parent Jordan Jones, who relies on both, are trying to think ahead and prepare if the benefits are cut.

“It's stressful. It's very overwhelming though. Call families and friends and everyone that we can to even get help,” she said. "It's not really much we can do. If it happens it happens. We just gotta plan 10 steps ahead"

For others like Christina Holly, a single mother of eight, it’s an even ha